Hong Kong leaps 10 spots in liveability
Hong Kong climbed 10 spots to 35th place in the latest global liveability rankings, and is one of the top three Asian liveable cities, after Osaka and Tokyo. According to the indexes compiled by The Economist Intelligence Unit, the improved ranking is attributed to a drop in social unrest, as well as better performance in cultural and environmental issues. The survey of 140 cities worldwide takes into account factors such as stability, culture and environment, education, health care and infrastructure. Details here.

Hong Kong seeks exclusion from US aluminum tariff
Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development Edward Yau has called on the US to exclude Hong Kong from the US tariff increase plan for imports of aluminum products. Calling the proposed tariff “totally unjustified,” Mr Yau said these minimal exports would not threaten the US national security nor the viability of the US domestic industries.  He raised the request at a meeting with the US Consul General to Hong Kong and Macau Kurt Tong (Mar 15). In 2017, the US had a surplus of US$32.5 billion in merchandise trade with Hong Kong, making it the economy with which the US has the highest trade surplus. Details here.

Hong Kong Ranked World’s Freest Economy for 24th Consecutive Year
The Hong Kong Commissioner to the United States, Clement Leung, welcomed the report's findings which reaffirm Hong Kong's commitment to free trade and open markets. "Hong Kong's adherence to free market principles, buttressed by the rule of law, has enabled our city of 7.3 million people to prosper and become an internationally competitive business and financial center. Hong Kong will continue to proudly fly the flag of economic freedom," Mr. Leung said. Details here.

Hong Kong Remains World’s Freest Economy
Clement Leung, Hong Kong Commissioner to the United States, welcomed the publication of the 2017 Economic Freedom of the World report which once again ranks Hong Kong as the world leader in economic freedom. The report is co-published by the Cato Institute, the Fraser Institute of Canada and more than 70 think tanks around the world. It measures economic freedom (levels of personal choice, ability to enter markets, security of privately owned property, rule of law, etc.) by analyzing the policies and institutions of 159 countries and territories. “The report affirms Hong Kong’s commitment to upholding free market principles and the rule of law which sustain a healthy business environment,” said Mr. Leung. Details here.

Secretary for Justice explains legal basis in jailing of activists
Secretary for Justice Rimsky Yuen said that the review of sentence was dealt with strictly in accordance with the law. He reiterated that the defendants were convicted and sentenced for their unlawful conduct, not for their political ideas. In a published op-ed (Aug 24), Mr Yuen outlined and explained the different stages of the legal and judicial process, emphasizing that Hong Kong upholds judicial independence and the city’s Judiciary is recognized for its independence and professionalism. He called on the public and the international community to continue to respect Hong Kong's judicial independence and refrain from baseless attacks. Details here.

Allegation of "political interference" in prosecution and court decision unfounded and groundless
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam rejected claim of political interference in Hong Kong's courts, adding that the rule of law and judicial independence are vital to the city's stability and prosperity. In response to the procession on the case of the sentence review, the Government has issued a statement (Aug 21) stating that the decisions to prosecute and appeal were made in accordance with the Prosecution Code, applicable laws and relevant evidence, as clearly pointed out by the Department of Justice earlier, and that there is absolutely no political consideration involved. Further, allegations that the Court is under political interference are totally unfounded and groundless. The Hong Kong Bar Association and the Law Society of Hong Kong have pointed out the errors in these allegations in a joint statement.

MIT Hong Kong Innovation Node opens permanent space for collaborations
As the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’s first innovation node in the world, MIT Hong Kong Innovation Node offers new opportunities to study and practice methods of accelerated innovation. “In Hong Kong we nurture a positive environment for innovation, technology and entrepreneurship to flourish…We have all the ingredients to succeed in this area…The government will spare no effort in realizing Hong Kong’s potential…I wish the MIT Hong Kong Innovation Node every success in its new home…I am confident that in partnering with MIT, our future is very bright,” said The Honorable Mrs. Carrie Lam, the Chief Executive of Hong Kong Special Administration Region, in her speech as the ceremony’s Guest of Honor. Details here.

HKUST develops hydrogels that could enhance material biology and biomedicine
A research team at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology has created a new protein-based, stimuli-responsive smart hydrogel that could open doors for future material biology and biomedical applications. For details, click here.

Hong Kong ranked world's most competitive economy
Hong Kong has been crowned the world's most competitive economy for the second consecutive year, according to the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Yearbook 2017. Among the four competitive factors, the IMD highly recognized Hong Kong on its government efficiency and business efficiency while the city's ranking in 'infrastructure' also showed an improvement. Financial Secretary Paul Chan welcomed the ranking saying the ranking is a clear recognition of the city's steadfast fiscal discipline, as well as the incessant effort put into building a favorable business environment and a robust financial system. Details here.

Hong Kong's Advantages in Belt and Road Initiatives
Hong Kong, with its unique advantages, can make an important contribution to the Belt & Road initiatives - a visionary, long-term initiative launched by the Chinese government to foster closer economic, political, cultural, and social links across Asia to the Middle East, Europe and Africa. As a "superconnector" and an international trade and business center, Hong Kong can leverage its strengths in financial and professional services, transport and logistics, legal services and dispute resolution. For more information on Hong Kong's advantages, click here.

Safeguard HK App
For travelers and students outside Hong Kong, you would find the new app "Safeguard HK" useful. It provides useful information on safety and assistance in handling emergencies that may occur during travels outside of Hong Kong, e.g. major emergency incidents happening around the world, outbound travel alerts, contact information for Chinese consulates in host countries, etc. 
The app is available for free from Google Play and Apple App Store. For more information: http://www.sb.gov.hk/eng/news/mobileapp/index.htm